Such festivals instil enthusiasm for literature in young minds. Exposure of this kind goes a long way in all round development of students, said Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS

Bhubaneswar: The 6th National Children Literature Festival (NCLF) organized by KiiT International School was held on November 17 and 18, 2018 in Bhubaneswar. On the first day the festival was inaugurated in presence of internationally acclaimed writer Padma Shri Ruskin Bond, scholar and Politician Jairam Ramesh and eminent Bollywood actress Nandita Das.

Theme of the 6th NCLF was ‘Literature and Society’. Addressing the children, principal speaker Mr Ramesh said, “Dr. Achyuta Samanta is the ‘Tagore’ of our time. What Tagore had done in his lifetime by establishing Shantiniketan, Dr. Samanta has done the same by establishing KISS.”

“You must inculcate writing in your young age. Students should keep writing. You must be a voracious reader to be a good writer. Children should not get their knowledge from social media. Students should not copy from the internet or Wikipedia. There is no substitute of books. Writing brings discipline in one’s heart. You should be passionate of environment. You are the custodians and protectors of environment,” he added advising the children present in the function.

The chief speaker Nandita Das in her speech said, “Writing and reading open up our mind. Children should read more and more stories to develop their writing skill and thought.”

NCLF is by children, for children and of the children. It’s an ideal platform for school students to develop their creativity in writing and storytelling.

In his message founder of KIIT & KISS Dr. Achyuta Samanta said, “Such festivals instil enthusiasm for literature in young minds. Exposure of this kind goes a long way in all round development of students”.

“KiiT international school, one of the most outstanding and prestigious schools in the country, has owned up to its potential every year. For last many years this Lit fest is hosting popular writers, poets and artists who have contributed immensely to the field of humanities and literature in various capacities,” said Dr. Mona Lisa Bal, Chairperson, KiiT International School.

In an interactive session with the students Nandita Das narrated about her recent film ‘Manto’ while Jairam Ramesh spoke on — “Between Science and Environment, envisioning an India of Inclusiveness”.

A discussion was also held on Ruskin Bond’s autobiography ‘Lone Fox Dancing’. Apart from these, there were multiple sessions on drawing comics and understanding our relationship with nature through art.

Nikhil Taneja, who is currently working with Yash Raj Films, conducted an interactive session with the children on the topic — Why Stories matter?

On the second day Mumbai’s famous Arambh Group staged a famous children’s play “Tunni ki Kahani”.

KiiT International School started the trend of Children’s Literary Festival from 2013 based on the concept conceived by its visionary founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta. The NCLF is the flagship event of Kloud9, the only students’ magazine for students and managed by students. Taking off from 2013, the fest has come out as one of the most loved and interesting children’s festivals. Each edition of the festival has witnessed greater enthusiasm and participation than the previous one. As many as 500 students took part in the event with more than 35 schools all over India participating in it.

Prizes and certificates were distributed to the winners of various competitions in the concluding session. In story-writing Himangi Pattnaik, Suresha Mishra and Khusi Mehta won the first, second and third prize respectively in the senior group while in the junior group Isha Isita, Aishwarya Priyadarshini and Payal Priyadarshini awarded with the first, second and third prize respectively. In photography, Aniket Sen bagged the first prize while, Abhisek Moharana and Aninda Ray adjudged as second and third respectively. In comic strips, in senior group, Monalisha, Adyasha Addya and Ayushman Kar bagged the first, second and third prize respectively while in the junior group Lipsha Mishra, Shyama Sheetal Nanda and Bismaya bagged the first, second and third prize respectively.